"Developing Countries in the Asia-Pacific Region Likely to Face Challenges in Achieving Herd Immunity"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It is forecasted that developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region will find it difficult to achieve COVID-19 herd immunity.

Amida Salsia Alisjavana, Secretary-General of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), said this in an interview with CNBC on the 18th (local time).

Secretary-General Alisjavana emphasized, "Looking at the data so far, except for a few advanced countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the vaccination process is slow," adding, "Even after completing vaccine orders or securing them, the pace of vaccination has not accelerated."

Timely supply, limited economic capital, lagging logistics infrastructure, and fair distribution were also cited as challenges to overcome. Secretary-General Alisjavana pointed out, "Despite the help of the international vaccine joint procurement project COVAX Facility, supply remains limited."

Nevertheless, she said, "The number of vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national authorities is increasing, and production is also rising," adding, "In the coming months, developing countries will accelerate vaccinations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.